First off, Happy New Year, my dear readers!!! 🙂

One of the perks of hosting a multi-subject blog is that I get to meet people from different walks of life. There was a time when I got the acquaintances of two actresses – one from the theater and another one from the movies. I was also fortunately hooked up with the producer of a relatively popular indie flick who invited me to the special screening of the same. An award-winning Film & TV director also went out of his way to personally thank me for featuring one of his young talents. I can get the same from twitter if I want to, but it feels better knowing that my online thoughts were read first before being sought after. Just like my newly-found friend below…

From The CompanY to Going Solo

Earlier last month, I received a message from Reuben Laurente, one of the former male vocalists of the top singing group The CompanY. Remember the hit songs “Everlasting Love”, “Pakisabi na Lang” and “Muntik na Kitang Minahal”? Well, he takes credit for being part of the same. After leaving the group some years back, he embarked on a solo career which led to his first pop album titled ‘Pop Virtuosity’ (a track of which – “A Single Soul” – won for him an award for Best R&B Recording). However, it is in another genre where he is destined to create a self-actualizing niche, i.e., gospel music. But since the latter is not the most popular in the country, he remained low-profile despite receiving trophies from CMMA (Best Inspirational Album) and Awit Awards.

courtesy of sweetbaby75

Cruise Entertainer

Five solo albums later, the opportunity to work overseas landed on his lap. Up to now, he is one of the Featured Performers aboard the M/V Brilliance of the Seas of Royal Caribbean International, where he entertains guests every night with world-class production numbers. He just recently renewed his contract with the cruise ship and is all set to wow everyone once more with his excellent singing voice wherever the vessel travels to – from Miami to Dubai to Oman to India to Estonia to Russia to Belgium to Scandinavia and the rest of Northern Europe. And just to prove that he is doing really well in this field, Awit Awards awarded him (and fellow singer Anna Fegi) a Special Citation for being Filipino Recording Artists Championing the World of Cruise Entertainment.

Reuben Laurente in one of his performances aboard the RCCL Mariner of the Seas
courtesy of astigarnold

More Than Just Renditions

During breaks from work, Reuben would go back to the Philippines to refresh his singing career. His latest music CD – courtesy of Musikatha Ministries Foundation – was actually launched during the Holidays. Titled “More Than Just Renditions“, it contains beautifully uplifting songs that, according to Philstar.com, “… inspire every listener to feel blessed and “be a blessing” to others.”

In one of our email exchanges, Reuben described the CD, as follows:

“More Than Just Renditions is so special to me as it is an album featuring people in the industry closest to my heart. Composers like Arnel De Pano (Lead Me Lord), Jungee Marcelo (Hataw Na, Sayaweh, and Zia Quizon’s hit song ‘Ako Na Lang’), Soc Villanueva (Bituin Escalante’s Kung Ako na Lang Sana) and Eric Santos’ Kulang ako kung wala ka among others contributed to the collection. It is called “More Than Just Renditions” because the difference is the message, and how the message can be a great source of inspiration. I thank Musikatha for this opportunity of being able to share music through this album.

While he was given the tag of Pop Virtuoso when he started his solo career, Reuben is more happy and fulfilled performing songs that give praise and glory to God. He is not afraid to forge ahead where no other previous mainstream artist dared. He attributes all the blessings in his life to Him. Watch the audio video below of Reuben’s interpretation of “Put Jesus First in Your Life” to hear and feel his heartfelt relationship with the Lord.

courtesy of MomiHEN

For those who want to buy a copy of “More Than Just Renditions”, the CD is available at PCLI/PCBS bookstores, Back To The Bible, OMF, Philippine Bible Society, Lighthouse, House of Praise in SM, Robinsons and Gaisano Malls. Right now, don’t be surprised if you get to see the same in the CD racks of SM record bars. Inspite of the gospel direction, distributors felt that it still contains enough pop appeal to be bought by ordinary consumers.

Let’s support Reuben Laurente and ‘More Than Just Renditions’!

Again, a Blessed and Prosperous 2012 to Everyone! 🙂